Decision Maker: Lewes District Council Cabinet, Lewes District Council Full Council

Outcome: Recommend Forward to Council

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: February 5, 2026

Purpose: To recommend Full Council to set the 2026/27 budget and council tax at its meeting in February 2026.   Report to also include the proposed schedule of fees and charges to apply from 1 April 2026.

Content:   A) Recommended to Full Council (Budget and policy framework):   1)    To approve the General Fund Base Budget 2026/27 and Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.   2)    To approve an increase in the Council Tax for Lewes District Council of 2.99% resulting in a gross Band D charge (including Special Expenses) of £242.02 for 2026/27.   3)    To approve the revised General Fund and Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme 2026/27 as set out in Appendix 3 to the report.   4)    To approve the rates of Fees and Charges proposed within Appendix 6 to the report to apply from 1 April 2026 and to implement changes to statutory fees and charges for services shown within Appendix 6 to the report as and when notified by Government.   5)    To approve the Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Policy for 2025/26 and for 2026/27 as set out in Appendix 7 to the report.   6)    To delegate authority to the Section 151 Officer to account for any changes in the 2026/27 Base Budget to funding allocations when Final Settlement figures are announced.   7)    To note the Section 151 Officer’s comments as outlined in the report.   B) Resolved (Key decision):   On a related matter, that Cabinet’s agrees to this Council in conjunction with Eastbourne Borough Council, seeking further opportunities to explore shared services with other East Sussex Councils as appropriate, where this would be mutually beneficial. Such shared services arrangements would be in keeping with the wider aspirations of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).